Coin wrapping machines

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for feeding money coins from a supply source to a stacking means comprising a delivery tube having a funnel at one end. The funnel is pivotally secured adjacent to the source of supply so that the tube is swingable in an arc between a first position, in alignment between the supply and the stacking unit and a second position out of alignment therewith. Means are provided interconnecting the tube with the grasping means so that the tube is moved into the first position when the grasping means transports a preceding column of coins from the stacking unit and into the second position when the grasping means is returned into alignment with the stacking means.

United States Patent Puhahn et al. 1 Mar. 21, 1972 54 COIN WRAPPING MACHINES [56] References Cited 72] Inventors: Werner Puhahn, Philippsburg', Rolf Lam- UNITED STATES PATENTS Per, BauSChlW, bmh 01 Germany 2,709,880 6/1955 Jorgensen ..53/254 x [73] Assignee: standardwerk Eugen, Reis, Gmb 2,728,507 12/1955 Francis B h me Germany Primary ExaminerTravis S. McGehee [22] Filed: Aug. 6, 1970 AttorneyRichard Low and Murray Schaffer Apparatus for feeding money coins from a supply source to a l l F g pp i io i y D818 stacking means comprising a delivery tube having a funnel at one end. The funnel is pivotally secured adjacent to the source Aug. 8, 1969 Germany ..P 19 40 389.5 ofsupply so that the tube is swingable in an are between a first position, in alignment between the supply and the stacking [52] US. Cl ..53/59, 53/78, 53/212, unit and a Second position out f alignment therewith. Means 3 are provided interconnecting the tube with the grasping means [5 l Int. Cl. ..B65b 57/20, B65b 1 1/04 so that the tube is moved into the first position when the grasp- [58] Field of Search ..53/59, 78, 212,254; 133/8 ing means transports a preceding column of coins from the stacking unit and into the second position when the grasping means is returned into alignment with the stacking means.

9 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures PATENTEDHARZI I972 3. 650,086

sum 1 0F 2 lnrenfors. uJERh ER 'PUHAHA/ Row? LAMPERT BGWWW COIN WRAPPING MACHINES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to money packaging machines and in particular to automatic coin wrapping machines having improved mechanisms for feeding coins and for delivering a predetermined quantity to stacking and rolling mechanisms.

Automatic coin wrapping machines are well known and in wide use. While such machines have found favorable acceptance for the wrapping of money and similar coinage, the need for improvement is well known. In particular, currently known machines are relatively slowiand require almost constant attention to maintain a suitable operational schedule. It is a goal to provide for an increase in performance up to 800-1 ,000 fully wrapped coin rolls per hour.

Conventionally, such machines comprise a coin sorting and counting mechanism or a storage supply by which a predetermined number of coins are counted, a stacking mechanism where the coins are stacked into a column, a pair of opposed grippers to hold the coins and a rolling assembly which envelopes the stack within a wrapper. Generally the coins are fed directly from the counter to the stacking mechanism. This has been found to inhibit high speed and efficient performance of the machine since the supply of coins must be stopped and the flow of coins interrupted when the stacking mechanism is full and when the coins are subsequently wrapped. During this interval it is necessary to grasp the stack of coins with the grippers, open the stacking mechanism and move the stack of coins to the wrapping position. This interval is relatively long and prevents continuous operation of the machine. In some machines pre-counted coins are maintained in a storage device before delivery to the stacking mechanism. This however has not resulted in speeding up operation, since here, also, feeding must be interrupted whenever the stack unit is opened.

It is accordingly amongst the objects of the present invention to provide an improved, high speed and high performance coin wrapping machine.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a coin wrapping machine having means for feeding and delivering a predetermined number of coins to the stacking mechanism, overcoming the defects the prior art exhibit.

It is a specific object of the present invention to provide a coin wrapping machine having a delivery system for collecting a predetermined charge of coins prior to the stacking mechanism which is operable during the interval that the stacking mechanism is open and the preceding charge is being wrapped.

The above objects are not inclusive, and are in fact supplemented by many others which are enumerated and apparent in the following disclosure.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to the present invention a coin wrapping machine is provided with apparatus for feeding coins from a supply source to the stacking means comprising a delivery tube having a funnel at one end. The funnel is pivotally secured adjacent to the source of supply so that the tube is swingable in an are between a first position, in alignment between the supply and the stacking unit and a second position out of alignment therewith. Means are provided interconnecting the tube with the grasping means so that the tube is moved into the first position when grasping means transports a preceding column of coins from the stacking unit and into a second position when the grasping means is returned into alignment with the stacking means.

In the preferred form the interconnecting means comprises a resilient member mounted on the upper gripping means and adapted to engage the side of the tube. There is also-provided means for preventing movement of coins through the tube when the tube is in its second position (i.e., out of alignment) the prevention means preferably comprising an adjustably fixed lever adapted to enter into a hole in the tube. The device is also provided with spring means normally biasing or holding the tube and the resilient pressing member together.

It is also intended that the funnel and tube be removably connected so that they may be replaced by other units to readily conform to the diameter of the specific coins counted.

It is also preferred that the tube and grasping means be interconnected so that the cyclical repetitive operation can be effected whereby a charge of coins may be delivered to the tube while a preceding charge is being wrapped. It is intended that the present apparatus may be used either in a machine having a counting device or machine having a storage hopper for pre-counted coins.

Full details of the present invention are set forth in the following description and in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of coin counting and wrapping machine in which the present invention is employed;

FIG. 2 is a detail view of feeding and delivering mechanism shown in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION In the following description reference is made to the overall configuration and arrangement of a coin counting and wrapping machine. In the figures some detail is shown of such a device although only such details as are necessary for an understanding of the present invention are fully shown. It will be understood and appreciated that the basic structure of the coin counters and wrapper are well known, and that reference to any one of the published art and commercial devices may be made for such detail as are missing herein.

As seen in FIG. 1, the money packaging machine of the present invention comprises a coin wrapping unit; mounted on a suitable frame or base. Mounted on the coin wrapping unit 1 is a coin counter 2, having a tray hopper 3 adapted to contain a plurality of coins 5 which are to be subsequently counted, stacked and rolled into a cylindrical package 4. Briefly, the coins -5 are caused to pass over a centrifugal separating disk 6 through a counting device 7, downwardly through a cylindrical tube 8 into a stacking unit comprised of cylindrical shells 9 each supported by an arm 21. A predetermined number of coins, depending on their denomination, are delivered and stacked in the unit to form a column 50. After the stack is completed the stack is grasped by a pair of opposed gripping pins 19 and 20, the stack shells opened and the column shifted to a position about which a piece of paper is pulled and cut from an endless web 10, to finally form the completed wrapped roll 4. If desired the sorting and counting apparatus can be replaced with a storage hopper for pre-counted coins or the like.

As thus far described, the present device is, in general, conventional in design and function and further detail, being obvious, are not set forth herein to keep the disclosure brief and concise. Note is, however, made of copending application in the name of Werner Puhahn, Ser. No. 6l,758 filed even date herewith, which discloses apparatus for supporting the paper web reel as well as apparatus for grasping and supporting the coin stack. The disclosure made therein is incorporated here by reference as if more fully set forth.

The features of the present invention shall be described with greater reference to FIG. 2. The coin stack 50 is built with a cylindrical form created by a pair of semicylindrical shells 9 held respectively by the arms 21. The lower most ends of the shell are provided with ledges on which the lead coin rests and is provided with a central aperture. A pair of opposed gripping positioning members 19 and 20 are provided which are adapted to enter into the lower and upper end of the cylindrical shells 9 to grasp the completed stack between them and to compress the coins for subsequent rolling. The gripping or positioning pins 19 and 20 are mounted on suitable swinging arms and are provided with means for moving them into the shell 9 and to grasp the coins resiliently in a timed sequence relative to the formation of the stack 50. After the stack 50 is formed, the shell halves 9 are separated by the sideway movement of the arms 21 so that the stacked coins are carried freely between the lower and upper positioning pins 19 and 20 respectively, permitting the paper to be wrapped about it within the paper cutoff and roller mechanism.

The counting mechanisms 2 is provided with an exit opening or orifice 11, through which the coins 5 are passed from the counter 7 to the extraction or delivery tube 8. The opening 11 is preferably aligned axially with the stacking mechanism 9, in the feed path as seen by position I in FIG. 2. The tube 8 is mounted at the lower end of a funnel 12 which itself has a wide mouth adapted to cover the opening 1 1 and split ring terminal end surrounding the end of the tube 8. The split end is provided with an adjustable clamp 13 having a thumbscrew knob which is manipulable to close over the ring and tube 8. The adjustable clamp 13 enables the exchange of varying diameter tubes to accommodate differently sized coins.

The funnel 13 is provided with a pair of opposed lateral tabs one of which is pivoted about a pivot pin 14 enabling the funnel 12 and its attached tube to swing about an are into alignment with the stacking mechanism, as shown in position I (dotted lines) and out of alignment therewith, as seen in position ll (full lines). The mouth of the funnel is sufficiently wide to cover the opening 1 1 in either position. The opposite tab 15 is adapted to engage beneath a fixed latch 16 which holds the funnel 12 and tube 8 in proper alignment with the stacking mechanism in position I.

The swingable funnel l2 and tube 8 are movable out of the aligned position I by a curved pusher spring 17 which is secured by suitable fasteners to the top of a bearing block 18 mounted on the arm or support for the upper gripping pin 19 and is curved, in a manner explained later to engage the side of the tube during its movement between positions I and II.

The gripping pins 19 and 20 are mounted on suitable arms so that they might be transported into the end openings formed by the cylindrical shells 9, when the stack is filled with coins. They cooperate to grasp between them the stack 50, as seen in position IV of FIG. 2. After the stack is so grasped the shell halves 9 separate by movement of the arms 21 and the gripping pins 19 and 20 are caused to carry the stack 50 in the direction of the arrow to the rolling position III in FIG. 2.

The pusher spring 17 is curved so that it extends beyond the axis of the gripping pin 19 a sufficient distance so that when the pin 19 is aligned in the feed path the spring 17 pushes the tube 8 completely out of the feed path to the full extent of its arc swing. A rigid lever 22 entering a hole 23 in the side of the tube 8 is adjustable and/or removably mounted on the bracket 25. The bracket 25 is itself adjustably and/or removably mounted by conventional means to the machine frame. As the tube 8 is caused to swing into position I] the rigid lever 22 enters the hole 23 and blocks the axial passage within the tube 8, preventing coins from falling further therethrough. A return coil spring 24 is secured between the frame of the machine and the tube 8 and acts to exert a normal pull on the tube toward its position I and contrary to the force exerted by spring 17.

In operation, the initial phase may be instituted with the funnel 12 and tube 8 in position II and the gripping pins 19 and 20 in position IV. In this situation the pusher leaf spring 17 holds the tube in the swing arc and the rigid lever 22 is fully inserted in the opening 23. A predetermined number of coins 5 are counted by the counting device 7 (or supplied from the storage means) and dropped through the funnel 12 where they collect in the tube 8 against the lever 22. When the coins are delivered and the tube 8 is filled with a proper charge, the gripping means 19 and 20 are caused to move in the direction of the arrow into position III. (In subsequent cycles the pins would hold a full stack 50 of coins for wrapping.) During this movement the coil spring 24 causes the tube to also move against the pusher 17 returning the funnel 12 and tube 8 to position I. During this movement also, the rigid lever 22 is slowly withdrawn from the hole 23 so that when the tube 8 is properly aligned along the feed path, the lever 22 is fully withdrawn and the charge or coins 5 are dropped into the stacking unit, which at the same time has had its shells 9 closed into cylindrical form. Subsequently, the gripping pins 19 and 20, after having released the wrapped roll previously held by it, return from position III to position IV where they grasp the charge or stack 50 just deposited therein. As the gripper 19 begins its return to position IV the pusher spring 17 engages the side of tube 8 and forces it again into position 11, causing the rigid lever 22 to close off the passage of the coins through the tube. The grippers 19 and 20 grasp the stack 50, the shells 9 open and stack is moved to position III, initiating the cyclical action all over again.

It will thus be observed that rapid cyclical action can be effected wherein, while the first charge or stack of coins is being wrapped, a succeeding charge is formed and made readly for final stacking. With the present mechanism it is not necessary to have feeding and counting of coins stop for long intervals. To the contrary, only an extremely short interval interposes itself between the time the funnel 12 and tube 8 swing from position I and II and between the counting of successive charges.

This is accomplished by the interconnection between the grasping means and the swingable tube. While the combination of pusher spring 17 and coil spring 24 are shown, other connecting means may be employed to obtain the same effect and purpose, it being simply necessary to cause simultaneous movement of the grasping means and the swinging tube. A number of advantages accrue from the structure described. The interaction between spring 17 and spring 24 maintain the tube 8 responsive to any movement and in fact causes it to act directly with the movement of the gripping pin 19, without the need for connecting linkages or cams. The rigid lever 22 is so placed that it continues to block the passage of coins through the tube 8 until the tube is directly over the stacking unit 9 so that the coins may not be discharged prematurely. The adjustability and removability of both the lever 22 and its holder 25 permit the adaption of the apparatus for varying diameter coins. Other means may be used to block the channel passage of the tube. For example a fixed lever may be employed at the end of the funnel closing it off when the tube is (i.e., However, the present form has the advantage that a full charge of coins may be fed closest to the eventual point of delivery i.e., the stacking unit).

The machine may be easily and swiftly converted without the use of special tools to accommodate any size coinage. This arises from the construction of the tube 8 and the funnel 12 which are releasably secured by clamp 13 so that either of which may be replaced.

The machine as a whole may be provided with numerous controls and operating mechanisms. For example, the counter 7 may be adapted to stop counting coins when the tube 8 is in position I. The grippers 19 and 20 and the stacking mechanism 9 are also provided with conventional means to effect the function described for them. Details of suitable gripping pins 19 and 20 are disclosed in the aforementioned copending application.

Paper supply, cutting and wrapping means of conventional nature including knife means, rolling means for enveloping the paper cylindrically about the stack, and folding means for bending the ends of the paper cylinder and sealing means if required to seal the envelope wrapping, may be also provided.

Because the present invention is designed to improve and benefit otherwise conventional money and coin counting and wrapping machines, it may be easily adapted and employed on commercial units now in operation by simple replacement of the appropriate portions. Various and sundry modifications are possible for the devices as described and illustrated herein. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative only of the present invention and not in any manner limiting thereof. Those skilled in this art will be able to apply its teachings readily and obtain the resultant benefits and advantage of greater performance, capability and functional improvements as herein obtained.

What is claimed:

1. In a coin wrapping machine having a source of supply for said coins, means positioned in alignment with said source of supply for vertically stacking a column of said coins, means for grasping said column between a pair of opposed gripping members, and means positioned from said stacking means for wrapping said stack, said grasping means being movable to deliver said stack from said stacking position to said wrapping position, apparatus for feeding said coins from said source of supply to said stacking means comprising a delivery tube having a funnel being arranged at said source of supply and said tube extending toward said stacking means, said tube being pivotally mounted at said funnel to swing in an are from a first position in which said tube is aligned with said stacking means and a second position wherein said tube is out of alignment therewith, means interconnecting said tube and said grasping means to swing said tube in response to the movement of said grasping means so that said tube is moved into said first position when said grasping means is in said wrapping position and said tube is moved into said second position when said grasping means is in said stacking position and means for preventing movement of coins through said tube when said tube is in said second position whereby coins may be delivered from said source of supply to said stacking means only when said grasping means is in the wrapping position.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for preventing movement of coins through said tube comprises a lever mounted adjacent to said tube, said lever being adapted to enter into a hole provided in the side of said tube when said tube is in said second position.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said lever is positioned to engage said tube to limit the extent of swing arc of said tube.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the length of said lever is adjustable.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said source of supply comprises a counting device adapted to supply a predetermined number of coins to said tube while said tube is in said second position.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said grasping means comprises an upper and lower gripping member being aligned to said stacking position with said first position, a resilient pushing member mounted on said upper gripping member and extending laterally therefrom to engage said tube to move said tube into said second position.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6 including a spring means normally biasing said tube into said first position said spring cooperating with said grasping means to move said tube into said first position simultaneously with the movement of said grasping means from said stacking position to said wrapping position.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said funnel is removably secured to the tube and includes means for adjustably securing said funnel and tube.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 including means for delivering a charge of coins of a predetermined number to said tube when said tube is in said second position, said tube delivering said charge to said stacking unit when in said second position and means for repeating said procedure cyclycially. 

1. In a coin wrapping machine having a source of supply for said coins, means positioned in alignment with said source of supply for vertically stacking a column of said coins, means for grasping said column between a pair of opposed gripping members, and means positioned from said stacking means for wrapping said stack, said grasping means being movable to deliver said stack from said stacking position to said wrapping position, apparatus for feeding said coins from said source of supply to said stacking means comprising a delivery tube having a funnel being arranged at said source of supply and said tube extending toward said stacking means, said tube being pivotally mounted at said funnel to swing in an arc from a first position in which said tube is aligned with said stacking means and a second position wherein said tube is out of alignment therewith, means interconnecting said tube and said grasping means to swing said tube in response to the movement of said grasping means so that said tube is moved into said first position when said grasping means is in said wrapping position and said tube is moved into said second position when said grasping means is in said stacking position and means for preventing movement of coins through said tube when said tube is in said second position whereby coins may be delivered from said source of supply to said stacking means only when said grasping means is in the wrapping position.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for preventing movement of coins through said tube comprises a lever mounted adjacent to said tube, said lever being adapted to enter into a hole provided in the side of said tube when said tube is in said second position.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said lever is positioned to engage said tube to limit the extent of swing arc of said tube.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the length of said lever is adjustable.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said source of supply comprises a counting device adapted to supPly a predetermined number of coins to said tube while said tube is in said second position.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said grasping means comprises an upper and lower gripping member being aligned to said stacking position with said first position, a resilient pushing member mounted on said upper gripping member and extending laterally therefrom to engage said tube to move said tube into said second position.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 6 including a spring means normally biasing said tube into said first position said spring cooperating with said grasping means to move said tube into said first position simultaneously with the movement of said grasping means from said stacking position to said wrapping position.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said funnel is removably secured to the tube and includes means for adjustably securing said funnel and tube.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 1 including means for delivering a charge of coins of a predetermined number to said tube when said tube is in said second position, said tube delivering said charge to said stacking unit when in said second position and means for repeating said procedure cyclycially. 